Large crowds will cheer the Boston Marathon runners as we express support for this important Patriots Day event and its meaning to our city. It's the perfect time to visit Boston.

Patriots' Day commemorates the start of the American Revolution with numerous reenactments, parades, and celebrations. Don't miss the chance to experience this local tradition in which local citizens honor those who paved the way for freedom from British rule almost 250 years ago.

Lots more events take place during April - film festivals, theater shows, concerts, and much more!

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The Boston Marathon - 2017

The Boston Marathon - one of the city's biggest events of the year, and also known as the "Patriots Day Race" - features about 36,000 elite runners from around the world competing in a route made difficult by rolling terrain and features such as "Heartbreak Hill."

Although the winners complete the course in just over 2 hours, many participants are still running hours later. You can watch from anywhere along the Boston Marathon route.

If you attend the traditional Red Sox home game scheduled for Marathon Day, you'll be part of the crowd streaming into Kenmore Square just as the runners arrive at the finish line on Boylston Street.

Patriot's Day Re-Enactments, Parades, and Events - 2017

Celebrated annually on the third Monday in April (a Massachusetts State holiday), Patriot's Day (April 17, 2017) commemorates events and battles in Lexington, Lincoln, Concord, and present-day Arlington (once called Menotomy) that marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War.

When: Most Patriots Day events take place from Saturday, April 15 - Monday, April 17, with more events throughout April

The Boston International Film Series brings together the best local and international independent and experimental films in this 5-day festival. "Eclectic" barely begins to described the wide-ranging scope of the films you'll see here - everything from documentaries to avant-garde surrealism.

Tickets are sold for "sessions," typically including a longer film bundled with several shorter films on a similar topic or theme. It's fair to say there's literally something here for everyone.

The Independent Film Festival Boston spans 8 days, and promises to be bigger and better than ever, with familiar names plus many new ones. IFF Boston showcases independent film makers from around the world working outside of the Hollywood system, and the lineup offers plenty of interesting features, shorts, and documentaries. Lots of panels and parties let you can talk with the filmmakers and ask them questions. Boston film fanatics rate this festival as one of the best.

John Hancock Sports and Fitness Expo - 2017

The huge (and free) John Hancock Sports and Fitness Expo takes place in the Hynes Auditorium prior to the race during Marathon Weekend - April 14-16 - and if you love running, you couldn't ask for a better reason to arrive a few days early before the race.

Runner's World magazine calls this event the "best runner's expo in the country" and the 100,000 enthusiasts in attendance can attest to that.

In addition to the popular Runners Seminar Series, you can visit exhibits by almost 200 of the running industry's top companies - and of course you can buy every bit of running gear you've ever dreamed of. Race participants can also pick up their bib number here.

More info: www.baa.org

Closest T station: Green Line B/Hynes

Interesting Boston Hotel Special Deals for April 2017

With flowers bursting into bloom throughout the city and tons of things to do, April is a great month to visit Boston. Especially if you're planning a visit for anytime other that Boston Marathon weekend, you'll find some excellent deals, special savings, and discounts for Boston hotels.

Check out these fun Boston hotel offers for April:

- Lenox Hotel - "One If by Land, Two If by 'See'" - Commemorate the American Revolution with the Lenox Hotel's exclusive 2-hour historian-guided town car tour of Boston's most famous historical sites - Paul Revere's house, Old North Church, Bunker Hill Monument, and more! Call 800-225-7676 for details. Compare regular rates

Sheraton Hotel Boston - Pay rates equal to your birth year for the second and third night when you stay 3 nights. (Born in 1972? Pay $72.) With a great Back Bay location and views, plus one of the best indoor pools in the city, you can't go wrong at this high-end hotel. Call 866-716-8134 to book, and mention promo code NBR. Compare regular rates

- InterContinental Hotel Boston - Luxurious waterfront InterContinental Boston happens to be next to the spot where Boston's revolutionaries dumped tea into the Harbor - and the special Boston Tea Party package includes admission to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum and the Old South Meeting House - plus other tea treats. Call the hotel for details: 1-866-344-8769. Compare regular rates

Run of the Charles - 2017

Run of the Charles, New England's largest canoe and kayak race, takes place on the last Sunday in April - perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon if you're a spectactor, or enjoy a day on the river if you're a paddler. About 1,500 racers participate each year.

When: Sunday, April 30 Time: Races start between 10:30 and 1pm, depending on the race length (6 to 26 miles). To watch from Boston or Cambridge, expect the most action between about noon and 4pmWhere: Charles River Cost: Free for spectactorsMore information: Run of the Charles

Easter Egg Hunt at Faneuil Market - 2017

On Saturday, April 8 at 11:30am, head over to Faneuil Hall Marketplace for a special 2-hour Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt. Pick up your basket and clue sheet in the Upper Rotunda in Quincy Market to figure out which businesses are hiding eggs, and then visit the businesses to receive one egg. This event is free - but you must register (preferably in advance so you don't have to wait in line) because supplies and places are limited: www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/

Free Tours of Symphony Hall - 2017

Musicians and engineers consider Boston's Symphony Hall to be the most acoustically perfect concert space in the United States. It is also gorgeous. Join BSO volunteers on a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of Symphony Hall and hear about Symphony Hall's architecture, as well as the history and traditions of the famed BSO's musicians and conductors.

When: Select Wednesdays at 4pm and some Saturdays (times vary) during Symphony Season (October - late April) - dates for April include April 1 (4:30) and 19 (4pm), but call the Volunteer Office at 617-638-9390 to confirm and to make reservationsWhere: Symphony Hall, Massachusetts Avenue Lobby, FenwayCost: Free on a walk-up basisMore information: Boston Symphony Orchestra website

Japan Festival Boston - 2017

This year's Japan Festival takes place on Sunday, April 30, 2017, from 11am to 6pm on Boston Common.

The festival celebrates Japanese culture in Boston, and features entertainment on two stages, Japanese athletes and singers, cosplay, food vendors, a raffle, and 100+ booths with food, arts, and crafts.

Look for the traditional Japanese portable shrines, including children's versions, brought to the site by volunteeers in the spirit of Japanese festivals.

This has grown into a huge event, with 60,000 attendees last year and probably more this year.

Nearest T station: Red/Green Line/Park Street

Art in Bloom at Museum of Fine Arts - 2017

When: April 29-May 1, 10am-4:45pmWhere: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston's Fenway neighborhoodClosest T station: Green Line/Museum Cost: Tours and most special events are free with the cost of museum admission, while the teas and a few other events require tickets - check the MFA website for details.

In the 41st Art in Bloom celebration, MFA welcomes the arrival of spring in Boston with floral arrangements inspired by works of art throughout the museum. Look for special guided tours, children's activities, teas, and other festivities. Renowned designers present lectures, master classes, and demonstrations in the art of floral design.

And of course, the timing of MFA's event is perfect: outside the museum, magnolia and cherry trees have burst into bloom all over Boston. Celebrate this special time of the year by visiting Art in Bloom - and then walk around the city and enjoy all the flowers.

Taste of the North End - 2017

Taste of the North End on April 28, 7pm-11pm gives you a great chance to sample special dishes from over 45 North End restaurants, bakeries, and distributors in this annual tasting event.

This is also the North End's biggest fundraiser - proceeds benefit the North End Waterfront Health Center, as well as other neighborhood charities for children and seniors.

The list of participating restaurants is too long to name . . . but just to whet your appetite, look for treats from Fiore, Mamma Maria, Bricco, Taranta, Artu, Lucca, Massimino, Neptune Oyster, and Modern Pastry, as well as liquid refreshments from a number of neighborhood wine importers.

With panoramic waterfront views to enjoy from the Steriti Rink, this is sure to be a spectacular evening.